Wind turbine fluid application apparatus

ABSTRACT

A wind turbine tower cleaning apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame which circumferentially extends at least partially around a wind turbine tower. A separator structure can be attached to the frame and extends between the frame and the wind turbine tower to position the frame at a predetermined distance away from the wind turbine tower. The separator structure can also include an attachment end which is attached to the frame and a slidabe end positionable near the wind turbine tower. A slider can be attached to the slidabe end of the separator structure and can slide on the surface of the wind turbine tower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower. A frame lift device can raise and lower the frame on the wind turbine tower. A sprayer can spray fluid onto the wind turbine tower to clean the wind turbine tower.

BACKGROUND

Wind turbines are increasing in prominence and popularity as a source ofclean energy production. Wind currents can cause blades of a windturbine to rotate, converting the kinetic energy of the rotating bladesinto usable electrical or mechanical energy.

Wind turbines are often erected in areas having few obstaclesobstructing wind currents to maximize a potential energy output. Suchareas are sometimes remote and may be accessed only by traversing poorlymaintained roads. This can present some difficulty in accessing the windturbine for maintenance and other operations. Various types ofmaintenance may be performed on wind turbines. Maintenance of outercomponents of the wind turbines, such as the wind turbine blades or thesurface of the wind turbine tower, becomes increasingly difficult as asize of wind turbines increases in attempts to generate more energy.

Repairs and cleaning are some of the more common maintenance issuesfacing owners of wind turbines. Maintenance of wind turbines ofteninvolves periodic lifting or lowering of wind turbine parts, equipment,maintenance personnel, etc. Some specific examples of maintenanceoperations involving lifting or lowering of objects include inspectionof the wind turbine blades, cleaning the wind turbine blades and tower,replacement of parts, such as wind turbine blades, etc.

Prior maintenance systems have generally utilized freestanding cranes orother forms of lifts to lift and/or lower objects in connection withmaintenance or repair of outer components of wind turbines. However, dueto the difficulty in accessing wind turbines because of location,transportation of the cranes or lifts to the wind turbines can bedifficult, costly, and time consuming.

Wind turbine cleaning is generally performed on a periodic or regularbasis. Cleaning wind turbine blades and tower supports can be useful fora variety of purposes, such as maintaining an efficiency of the windturbine, extending a useful life of the blades and towers, maintaining aclean, well-maintained appearance, etc. Wind turbines are sometimescleaned as frequently as two or more times per year.

Over relatively short periods of use (such as a matter of weeks ormonths), wind turbines can become defiled by dust, coatings of salt,dead insects, bird excrement and other surface deposits. Wind turbinedefilement can reduce the efficiency, worsen an appearance, and lead tocorrosive and other detrimental effects on the wind turbine surfaces. Asealant can be applied to wind turbine surfaces for additionalprotection. However, application of the sealant may still involvedifficulties and hazards similar to those encountered in cleaning orperforming other maintenance. Further, the sealant may also need to beperiodically re-applied and the use of a sealant generally does notprevent or reduce defilement of wind turbine surfaces.

Because of various factors such as the size and location of windturbines, cleaning and other maintenance can be a difficult andtime-consuming process. Further, wind turbine maintenance can behazardous for maintenance workers. Accordingly, there is a need for windturbine cleaning and maintenance which is simpler, faster, and whichallows for a safer and more stable condition for maintenance workers.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for liftingand/or lowering of objects in connection with a wind turbine or asimilar construction. The disclosure also relates to devices, systems,and methods for cleaning or coating (e.g., protective coating or paint)a wind turbine or similar construction.

A wind turbine tower cleaning or coating apparatus is provided, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatuscan include a frame that can circumferentially extend at least partiallyaround a wind turbine tower. A separator structure can be attached tothe frame. The separator structure (which can be a separator beam, forexample) can extend between the frame and the wind turbine tower toposition the frame at a predetermined distance away from the windturbine tower. The separator structure can also include an attachmentend which is attached to the frame and a traversing end positionablenear the wind turbine tower. A slider or roller, for example, can beattached to the traversing end of the separator structure. In oneembodiment, a slider can slide on the surface of the wind turbine toweras the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower.Alternatively, a roller can roll along the surface of the wind turbinetower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower. Theapparatus can also include a frame lift device. The frame lift devicecan raise and lower the frame on the wind turbine tower. The apparatusincludes a sprayer. The sprayer can be used to spray fluid, such as acleaning solution, treatment solution, paint, water, etc. onto the windturbine tower to clean, treat, paint, etc., the wind turbine tower.

In accordance with another embodiment, a wind turbine lift apparatus isprovided. The apparatus includes a frame that can circumferentiallyextend at least partially around a wind turbine tower. The frame canalso include a frame expansion member and a restraining device. Theframe expansion member can be coupled to the frame and can enable anexpansion and contraction of a circumference of the frame. Therestraining device can extend between the frame and the frame expansionmember. The restraining device can allow the frame to expand andcontract based on a diameter of the wind turbine tower. A slider orroller can be attached to the frame. The slider or roller can slide onthe surface of the wind turbine tower as the frame is raised and loweredalong the wind turbine tower. A frame lift device can be used to raiseand lower the frame along the wind turbine tower.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided forcleaning, treating, or painting a wind turbine tower. The methodincludes positioning a frame at least partially around a circumferenceof a wind turbine tower. The frame can include one or more sprayers forspraying fluid onto the wind turbine tower. The frame can be moved alonga height of the wind turbine tower. A fluid can be a cleaning fluid, atreatment fluid, paint, or other similar material. The fluid can besprayed onto the tower as the frame as moved along the height of thewind turbine tower. In one embodiment, when applying a cleaning fluid, arinsing fluid (which can be merely water or other dilute rinsingformulation) can be sprayed onto the tower as the frame is moved alongthe height of the wind turbine tower, e.g., cleaned on the way up andrinsed on the way down.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a wind turbinecleaning apparatus positioned around a wind turbine tower, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a wind turbine tower cleaning apparatus withpivoting expansion members, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a wind turbine tower cleaning apparatus withspring-loaded expansion members, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a side of a windturbine tower cleaning apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a wind turbine tower being cleaned with a windturbine tower cleaning apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for cleaning, treating, or paintinga wind turbine tower, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, andspecific language will be used herein to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended. Additional features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which togetherillustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.

Wind turbine maintenance and cleaning has been attempted by using largecranes and lift apparatuses. However, as has been described, the use ofsuch devices can present difficulties in terms of access, expense, etc.Other systems have been used which attempt to reduce difficulties ofaccess by removing or reducing the need for transporting large and heavyequipment to wind turbine sites. For example, skilled climbers may useropes to traverse a side of a wind turbine tower or blade. However, alack of climbing experience can be hazardous to maintenance workers andsome issues with maintenance and repair are not easily addressed by anindividual on a rope on the side of the wind turbine tower. Particularlywhen large or heavy parts are involved for installation, repairs, etc.,an individual on a rope may have significant difficulty in performingthe maintenance operations. Another system for maintenance and cleaninginvolves the installation of a crane and a cable basket underneath thenacelle of the wind turbine which allows the basket to be lowered downthe side of the wind turbine. However, the basket can be difficult toposition correctly and difficult to work from due to an unstable nature.

Regardless of the approach to maintenance and cleaning, virtually allprior systems have still involved significant manual labor. The windturbine blades are generally brought to a halt and workers are raised orlowered to various positions on wind turbine towers or blades in orderto clean a particular section of the wind turbine. After workers havefinished working at one portion of the wind turbine, they may be raisedor lowered to another portion or even may be repositioned at differentpositions around the wind turbine circumference to be able to clean thewind turbine on all sides from the top to the bottom. Providing cleaningmeans to the workers can be difficult. Positioning and re-positioningthe workers can be time-consuming and difficult. Cleaning using priormethods can take up to several weeks to complete and can be very costly.Furthermore, some wind turbines are located at sea, which can increasedifficulty and cost in cleaning even further.

To reduce a cost, cleaning time, difficulty, and hazardousness of windturbine cleaning, a wind turbine tower cleaning apparatus is provided,in accordance with an embodiment. The apparatus includes a frame. Theframe can circumferentially extend at least partially around a windturbine tower. A separator structure, such as a beam, can be attached tothe frame. The separator beam can extend between the frame and the windturbine tower to position the frame at a predetermined distance awayfrom the wind turbine tower. The separator beam can also include anattachment end which is attached to the frame and a traversing endpositionable near the wind turbine tower. A slider or roller can beattached to the traversing end of the separator structure. The slider orroller can slide (or roll) on the surface of the wind turbine tower asthe frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower. The apparatuscan also include a frame lift device. The frame lift device can raiseand lower the frame on the wind turbine tower. The apparatus alsoincludes a sprayer, which can be used to spray fluid, such as a cleaningsolution, treatment solution, water, paint, etc. onto the wind turbinetower to clean the wind turbine tower.

It is noted that in describing the apparatus, systems, and methodsherein, emphasis is placed on cleaning and rinsing embodiments. This isdone for purposes of clearly describing the apparatus, and not todisclaim embodiments where each fluid is not specifically described.Thus, it is noted that in each case where cleaning is described,painting or surface treating embodiments are expressly included in suchdiscussions, and vice versa. Any minor modifications that could be usedto accomplish this are included herein, and could include, for example,replacing the cleaning solution with paint or other surface treatmentcomposition, modifying hosing or sprayers to facilitate the use of adifferent fluid (paint sprayers used rather than cleaning sprayers),modifying positioning of sprayers to enable appropriate coverage, etc.Such modifications would be apparent to one skilled in the art afterconsidering the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a system, indicated generally at 10, in an exampleimplementation in accordance with the disclosure is provided forcleaning, treating, painting, etc., a wind turbine tower 15. FIG. 1 is across-sectional side view of a wind turbine cleaning apparatuspositionedaround the wind turbine tower. The dashed line extending verticallythrough the wind turbine tower indicates that the wind turbine tower mayactually be much larger in size comparatively to the cleaning system.For example, the wind turbine tower may be tens of feet in diameter atthe base. In contrast, a cross-sectional width of a portion of theapparatus, such as that shown on the left side of the tower, may be muchsmaller, such as ranging from 1 to 4 feet in width at a widest point,depending on a particular configuration. The size of the apparatus canalso vary from much smaller or larger sizes as well.

The system 10 includes a frame 20. The frame can be constructed from anysuitable material. For example, wood, plastic, metal, fiberglass, etc.may be used to construct the frame. In one aspect, to provide a sturdy,strong, rigid construction, metal may be used. In one aspect, the metalused to construct the frame may be steel or a steel alloy. Other metalmaterials or non-metal materials may also be used. In one aspect, theframe can be constructed by welding a plurality of frame pieces togetherto form the frame. The frame can be constructed so as tocircumferentially extend at least partially around a wind turbine tower15. In some embodiments the frame is constructed to circumferentiallyextend completely around a wind turbine tower.

The frame 20 can include a separator structure, which in this embodimentis a separator beam 25. The separator beam can be attached to the frame.The separator beam may be integrally formed with the frame, permanentlyattachable to the frame, or removably attachable to the frame. Theseparator beam can extend between the frame and the wind turbine tower15 to position the frame at a predetermined distance away from the windturbine tower. As will be described in additional detail below, sprayers35 may form a part of the system. Positioning the frame at apredetermined distance away from the wind turbine tower can enable thesprayers to spray fluid over a larger area of the wind turbine towerthan if the sprayers were directly adjacent to the wind turbine tower. Alength of the separator beam can vary between embodiments. In oneaspect, the length of the separator beam can be determined according toa swath of a fluid spray from the sprayer. In other words, the separatorbeam can be determined according to an optimal spraying distance for thesprayers. Too large of a length of the separator beam may result in notapplying a sufficient amount of fluid from the sprayer to the tower orthat the sprayer cannot adequately spray the fluid onto the tower. Toosmall of a length of the separator beam may result in not providing thecoverage of fluid on the tower as may be desired or may necessitate anincrease the number of sprayers around the frame, thus increasing acost. Also, when increasing a number of sprayers, a fluid pressure mayalso be increased to achieve desired spraying performance.

While the frame 20 in FIG. 1 is shown as including a separator beam 25,the separator need not be strictly limited to a beam structure or shape.Any variety of structures or shapes may also be used which provides adesired separation of the frame from the wind turbine tower 15. Also,while the frame and the separator beam are illustrated as being attachedor formed together, the vertical portion of the frame shown in thefigure may be omitted and the separator beam together with a member forsupporting the sprayers 35 may comprise the frame. In other words, theframe can be any suitable shape, size, or configuration capable ofsupporting sprayers at a desired distance away from the wind turbinetower.

The vertical frame portion shown in FIG. 1 can be useful for supportingthe apparatus on the ground or for resting the apparatus against asurface 60 below the apparatus. For example, the vertical portion of theframe can help hold the apparatus at a desired distance above the groundfor inspection or maintenance of the apparatus or to avoid obstructions.For example, a wind turbine tower 15 may have a number of large bolts 75extending upward through a base of the tower from a concrete base. Thevertical frame member can hold the sprayers 35, the separator beam 25,and other members above the bolts so that the bolts do not obstructoperation or set up of the apparatus around the wind turbine tower. Thevertical member can also prevent damage to the sprayers, the separatorbeam, and so forth by preventing contact with the bolts, the ground, orother obstructions. The vertical frame member can include a frame base65. The frame base can help support the frame against the ground. Theframe base may further comprise base support members 70. In one aspect,the base support members may be a flexible or deformable material, suchas rubber or the like, to absorb an impact with the ground when theframe is lowered on the ground, particularly if a descent of the frameis a rapid descent. In another aspect, the base support members maycomprise rollers, such as wheels, which enable the apparatus to bewheeled along the ground to a desired destination.

As described above, the frame 20 can circumferentially extend completelyor partially around a wind turbine tower 15. Where the frame extendsonly partially around the wind turbine tower, the frame may include anopening by which the frame may be placed adjacent to and partiallyaround the wind turbine tower. Also, where the frame does not completelyextend around the wind turbine tower, steps can be taken to clean arounda full circumference of the wind turbine tower. For example, theapparatus may be rotated around a tower as the apparatus moves along aheight of the tower, or the apparatus may be used multiple times on thetower to effect cleaning of multiple faces of the tower circumference.As another example solution, although the frame may not fully extendaround the tower, the sprayers may be configured to still providesufficient coverage of fluid on the tower that a full encompassment ofthe tower by the frame is not required.

Regardless of whether the frame 20 completely or partially extendsaround the wind turbine tower 15, the frame may be capable of beingassembled and disassembled. The frame can be transported to a windturbine tower in a disassembled state on a utility vehicle. The framecan be assembled at and/or around the wind turbine tower. The apparatuscan then be used to clean the wind turbine tower. After cleaning, theapparatus and/or frame can be disassembled, loaded onto the vehicle, andtaken to another destination.

Referring again to the separator beam 25, the separator beam can includean attachment end 26 attached to the frame 20 and a traversing end 27positionable near the wind turbine tower 15. The traversing end can beoperatively attached to one or more sliders or rollers 30, for example.Sliders can be configured to slide on the surface of the wind turbinetower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower.Various types of sliders are contemplated. Any suitable device orstructure which allows the frame to be supported against the windturbine tower and be raised or lowered along a height of the tower whilecausing little or no damage to the surface of the wind turbine tower maybe used as a slider. Preferably the sliders enable the frame to besmoothly raised and lowered along the height of the tower. In oneaspect, a rolling device, such as a wheel, can be used. One or moresliders or rollers may be positioned at a traversing end of each of theseparator beams. In one aspect, the separator beam further comprises abeam member to enable positioning a plurality of sliders at thetraversing end with a predetermined distance between the sliders. In oneaspect the beam member may be vertically or horizontally orientedpositioning sliders thereon with a distance therebetween can provideadditional support of the frame against the tower. A vertically orientedbeam member can help maintain a desired spraying direction ororientation from the sprayers 35 to the tower.

The sprayers 35 can be attached to the frame 20. The sprayers may beremovably attached or permanently attached. In one aspect, the sprayersmay even be integrally formed with the frame. The sprayers may compriseany suitable spraying device capable of spraying a desired fluid 40 ontothe wind turbine tower 15. The sprayers illustrated in FIG. 1 include avertical section to provide clearance of the spray nozzle section abovethe vertically oriented beam member when fluid is sprayed from the spraynozzle section. However, the sprayers may comprise any desiredconfiguration and may spray fluid from any desired position with respectto the frame and/or the tower or at any desired direction towards thetower. In one aspect, the apparatus may be implemented with a singlesprayer, but due to a size of the circumference of the wind turbinetower, a single sprayer may not adequately spray fluid to an entiretower surface without rotations and multiple hoisting and lowering ofthe apparatus. Typically, the apparatus may comprise a sufficient numberof sprayers that the tower can be sufficiently sprayed with fluid in oneor two passes up or down the wind turbine tower.

The sprayers 35 can be interconnected such that all of the sprayersreceive fluid 40 from a same fluid supply. A fluid pipe 45 can extendbetween each of the sprayers to provide fluid to the sprayers. Fluid 40may be supplied to the fluid pipe through a fluid hose 50. The fluidhose may in turn be connected to a fluid reservoir. In one aspect, thefluid reservoir may be a fluid tank carried by a utility vehicle to thesite of the wind turbine tower. The fluid hose can attach to the fluidpipe at a hose attachment section 55. The hose attachment section cansecurely attach the hose to the fluid pipe to supply fluid to thesprayers, even when the frame is raised high up against the tower and aweight of the fluid hose pulls at the attachment section.

In one aspect, the sprayers can be configured to spray a cleaning ortreatment solution, or even a tower surface sealing solution or paint.In another aspect, the sprayers can be configured to spray a highpressure rinse, such as a water rinse or other dilute rinsing solution,onto the tower surface. In one example embodiment, the sprayers canspray a cleaning or treatment solution while the frame is raised along aheight of the tower and the sprayers can spray a rinse while the frameis lowered along the height of the tower to rinse off the cleaningsolution. In this manner, an entire wind turbine tower surface may becleaned in a single up-down cycle of raising and lowering the apparatus.No maintenance workers need be present on the apparatus. An entire windturbine tower can be cleaned in a matter of hours, as opposed to thedays or weeks spent cleaning using previous cleaning methods. Theapparatus does not involve putting maintenance workers in precarious orhazardous positions. The apparatus can save a substantial amount of timeand money and provide a simple, safe, and effective means of quicklycleaning wind turbine towers.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of awind turbine tower cleaning apparatus 100 with pivoting expansionmembers, in accordance with an embodiment. The wind turbine towercleaning apparatus of FIG. 2 is similar in many regards to the apparatus10 illustrated in FIG. 1. The apparatus of FIG. 2, includes a frame 110which circumferentially extends around a wind turbine tower 115.Separator structures 120, e.g., beams or other structures, andsliders/rollers 125 can respectively enable positioning of the frame ata distance away from the tower and sliding of the frame along a heightof the tower. Sprayers 130 can be used to spray fluid onto the windturbine tower to clean the tower.

The apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 further includes a plurality of pivot framemembers 135 extending outwardly from the frame away from a position ofthe wind turbine tower. However, inwardly pivoting frame members mayalso be used. Many wind turbine towers progressively narrow in diameterfrom a bottom portion of the tower to the top portion of the tower.Providing a frame member capable of circumferentially expanding orcontracting to adjust to the diameter and/or circumference of the windturbine tower can allow for adequate cleaning capabilities andmaintaining stability of the apparatus against the tower. The apparatuscan include a plurality of pivots operable attaching the pivot framemembers to the frame to enable pivoting.

A restraining device 145 can extend between the frame 110 and at leastone of the pivot frame members 135 and can cause the frame to expand andcontract based on a diameter of the wind turbine tower 115. In oneaspect, the restraining members may be elastomeric or spring members.The restraining members can be attached to the frame and the pivot framemembers at restraining member attachment sections 145. In one aspect,the restraining members may be bungee cords and the restraining memberattachment sections may be a loop by which hooks on the end of thebungee cords can attach to the frame and the pivot frame members.Springs or other mechanical tensioning devices can alternatively beused. As the apparatus 100 is lowered along the tower 115, the pivotframe members pivot inwardly to allow for expansion of the frame toaccommodate a wider diameter of the tower. As the apparatus is raisedalong the tower, the pivot frame members pivot outwardly to allow forcontraction of the frame to accommodate a smaller diameter of the tower.As the frame expands the restraining members may be stretched. As theframe is raised along the tower, the tension in the restraining memberspulls on the pivot frame members causing them to pivot outwardly,operably reducing or contracting a circumference of the framecorresponding to a smaller wind turbine tower diameter.

In one aspect, the fluid pipe or a sprayer support member 150 may beused to support one or more sprayers away from the frame 110 and/or thepivoting frame members 135. The sprayer support member can hold thesprayers in a position such that regardless of a degree of expansion ofcontraction of the circumference of the frame, the apparatus is stillcapable of providing adequate fluid coverage to the wind turbine tower.The sprayer support member can be configured in such a way that neitherthe sprayers nor the sprayer support members hinder the expansion orcontraction of the frame. For example, in some embodiments the sprayersupport member can be aligned differently from the frame such thatduring contraction of the frame the sprayer support member and thesprayers on the sprayer support member do not come in contact with aportion of the frame to which the sprayer support member is not attachedor to other sprayers associated with that portion of the frame.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a top view of a windturbine tower cleaning apparatus with spring-loaded expansion members,in accordance with an embodiment. The wind turbine tower cleaningapparatus of FIG. 3 is similar in many regards to the apparatus 10illustrated in FIG. 1 or the apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 2. Theapparatus of FIG. 3 includes a frame 210 which circumferentially extendsaround a wind turbine tower 215. Separator structures, such as separatorbeams 220 and sliders/rollers 225 can respectively enable positioning ofthe frame at a distance away from the tower and sliding of the framealong a height of the tower. Sprayers 230 can be used to spray fluidonto the wind turbine tower to clean the tower.

The apparatus 100 of FIG. 3 further includes a frame expansion member235 coupled to the frame and configured to enable an expansion andcontraction of a circumference of the frame. Broadly speaking, such adescription also describes the embodiment of FIG. 2 as well as otherconfigurations. Speaking more specifically regarding FIG. 3, the frameexpansion member enables telescopic lengthening of the frame such thatthe frame circumference is expandable and contractable. (With respect totelescoping, one member can pass into an opening of an adjacent member,or alternatively, one member can pass just next to an adjacent member,both actions being considered telescoping). In other words, the framecan expand and contract as has been described with regards to FIG. 2,except the expansion and contraction is accomplished using a frameexpansion member telescopically extending from and within the frame. Arestraining device can extend between the frame and the frame extensionmember. The restraining device can cause the frame to expand andcontract based on a diameter of the wind turbine tower. The restrainingdevice may comprise at least one of a spring member and an elasticmember. For example, the restraining device may be attached to an insideportion of the frame and to an end of the frame expansion member.

The apparatus of FIG. 3, similar to that in FIG. 2, can utilize a fluidpipe or a sprayer support member 240 to support one or more sprayersaway from the frame and/or the telescoping frame members. The sprayersupport member can hold the sprayers in a position such that regardlessof a degree of expansion of contraction of the circumference of theframe, the apparatus is still capable of providing adequate fluidcoverage to the wind turbine tower. The sprayer support member can beconfigured in such a way that neither the sprayers nor the sprayersupport members hinder the expansion or contraction of the frame. Forexample, in some embodiments the sprayer support member can be aligneddifferently from the frame such that during contraction of the frame thesprayer support member and the sprayers on the sprayer support member donot come in contact with a portion of the frame to which the sprayersupport member is not attached or to other sprayers associated with thatportion of the frame.

FIG. 3 illustrates only a single frame expansion section on the frame.However, any number of desired frame expansion members may be used. Inone aspect, a number of frame expansion members for a particularapplication can depend in part upon the amount of expansion andcontraction capabilities desired for a particular application, such asfor a particular wind turbine tower. Although the system can operatewith a single frame expansion member and/or single frame expansionsection, multiple expansion sections, as in FIG. 2, can facilitate amore even and stable expansion and contraction of the frame.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates a bottomperspective view of a portion of a side of a wind turbine tower cleaningapparatus 300, in accordance with an embodiment. The apparatus of FIG. 4uses the pivoting frame expansion members 315 as described above in FIG.2. The pivoting frame expansion members are operably attached to theframe 310 using pivot members 320. Sprayers 330 are not fully depictedin the view provided in FIG. 4 and are attached to a pipe 325. The pipecan in turn be attached to the frame. Fluid can be supplied to thesprayer using the pipe. The frame expansion members are positioned at anexpansion section of the frame. To enable expansion of the frame whilesupplying fluid to the apparatus from a single source, a flexible tubecan connect pipe sections near the expansion section to allow the frameto circumferentially expand and contract without disrupting the supplyof fluid to the sprayer. Supplying fluid to the apparatus from a singlesource is not required. However, using a plurality of sources or hosesattached to the pipe can be cumbersome and cause additionaldifficulties. The flexible tube solution can work with a variety offrame expansion schemes and allow for use of a single fluid source tosupply fluid for all of the sprayers on the apparatus.

The hose can be attached to the pipe 325 using any suitable hoseconnection means. In one aspect, the hose is attached using a hose screwconnection 355 on the pipe. The hose can be screwed onto the hose screwconnection to secure the hose to the pipe. As an additional safetyfeature, the hose can be secured to the frame of the apparatus. Forexample, the apparatus may include a cylindrically braided safety device365 configured to allow the hose to pass therethrough. The cylindricallybraided safety device can prevent the hose from falling to the ground ifthe hose disconnects from the pipe. Generally, the hose will remainsecurely attached to the pipe and the cylindrical braid may simply be abackup safety device in case of failure of the attachment between thehose and the pipe. The safety device can prevent an event which mayotherwise cause significant injury to persons or property on the groundbeneath a hose falling from a significant height. In one aspect, thecylindrical braid can be attached to the frame using an attachment means360. FIG. 4 depicts the attachment means as a loop, although any otherform of loop, hook, screw, or any of a myriad of other attachment meansmay also be used. The cylindrical braid can provide a larger cylindricaldiameter when compressed, or not stretched, to enable the hose to passthrough. However, when the cylindrical braid is stretched or pulled,such as may be the case if the hose started to fall, the cylindricaldiameter contracts and can tighten the braid around the hose to arrestthe movement of the hose.

The frame may be raised and lowered along the height of the wind turbinetower by any of a variety of means as are known in the art. Theembodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates a means for moving the frame along theheight of the tower. A loop 340 is attached to the frame 310 and a hook345 passes therethrough. The hook 345 can be connected to a cable 350which extends to the top of the tower and by which the frame is loweredand raised. Any other various means of attaching the frame to a meansfor moving the frame along the height of the tower may also be used, aswould be understood by one having skill in the art. Any number ofattachments may be made to the frame to facilitate raising and loweringthe frame.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 illustrates a front view400 of a wind turbine tower 410 being cleaned with a wind turbine towercleaning apparatus 420, in accordance with an embodiment. The windturbine tower cleaning apparatus may comprise an apparatus such as thosedescribed above in any of FIGS. 1-4 or combinations of embodimentsdescribed therein, or a variant of which would be obvious to one havingskill in the art. FIG. 5 depicts a utility vehicle 435 carrying a fluidreservoir 430. The fluid reservoir can include a plurality of fluidreservoirs for supplying a plurality of fluid types, such as water,cleaning solution, etc. A hose 425 extends from the fluid reservoir tothe cleaning apparatus 420. FIG. 5 illustrates a mechanism by which thecleaning apparatus can be raised and lowered along the height of thewind turbine tower. A cable 440 extends from the cleaning apparatus upto a top of the wind turbine tower, such as to or near the nacelle, andthen extends downwardly toward a winch 445 on the utility vehicle. Apulley or similar system can be used at the top of the wind turbinetower to facilitate movement of the cable as the cleaning apparatus israised and lowered.

In another embodiment, the winch may be positioned on the ground nearthe wind turbine tower and need not be attached to the utility vehicle.Alternatively, a winch may be provided at the top of the wind turbinetower for use in raising and lowering the cleaning apparatus. Variousframe lift devices for raising and lowering the frame on the windturbine tower may also be used. For example, a crane or other liftdevice may be used. In some prior systems an uplift device, such as aballoon or other similar device, has been used to raise and lowerobjects along wind turbine towers. Virtually any device capable ofmoving the frame along the height of the tower may be used with thecleaning apparatus described herein.

In one embodiment, a wind turbine lift apparatus is provided which maybe used for maintenance other than just cleaning. For example, the liftapparatus may be configured to raise and lower maintenance workers,tools, wind turbine parts, or may include other features such as camerasfor inspection of the wind turbine. The apparatus can include a frameconfigured to circumferentially extend at least partially around a windturbine tower. The frame can include a frame expansion member coupled tothe frame and configured to enable an expansion and contraction of acircumference of the frame. A restraining device can extend between theframe and the frame expansion member and can cause the frame to expandand contract based on a diameter of the wind turbine tower. A slider canbe attached to the frame and can slide on the surface of the windturbine tower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbinetower. A frame lift device, such as those described above, can be usedto raise and lower the frame on the wind turbine tower.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method 500 for cleaning, treating, orpainting a wind turbine tower, in accordance with an embodiment. Themethod includes positioning 510 a frame at least partially around acircumference of a wind turbine tower. The frame can include one or moresprayers for spraying fluid onto the wind turbine tower. The frame canbe moved 520 along a height of the wind turbine tower. A fluid can besprayed 530 onto the tower as the frame as moved along the height of thewind turbine tower. Optionally, with respect to the cleaning embodiment,a rinsing fluid can be applied as well on a different pass of theapparatus. The method can be accomplished without a single maintenanceworker on the frame or on the tower. In other words, the method canenable an automatic wind turbine tower wash. The method may be varied byspraying only a rinse or only a treatment or cleaning solution onto thetower or by spraying both the rinse and the treatment solutionsimultaneously at offset heights.

In one aspect, the same sprayer(s) may be used to spray different kindsof fluid onto the tower. In another aspect, different sprayers can beused to spray different kinds of fluid onto the tower. For example, aset of sprayers may be used to spray a cleaning solution onto the towerand a different set of sprayers may be used to spray a water rinse ontothe tower. Alternatively, paint sprayers may be used when painting thetower, or other types of sprayers may be used when applying certaintypes of treatments, e.g., polymeric coatings, sealants, etc.

The method can further include adjusting a circumference of the frameautomatically according to a diameter of the wind turbine tower as theframe is moved along the height of the wind turbine tower. For example,the circumference of the frame may be automatically adjusted bytelescopically expanding or contracting the frame. As another example,the circumference of the frame may be automatically adjusted byexpanding or contracting the frame using pivoting frame expansionmembers.

The systems and methods described herein can be used to reduce a cost ofwind turbine tower cleaning and maintenance, as well as reduce timeexpended in cleaning and difficulty and hazards encountered in cleaningwind turbine towers. Also, while the forgoing examples are illustrativeof the principles of the present invention in one or more particularapplications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementationcan be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and withoutdeparting from the principles and concepts of the invention.Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except asby the claims set forth below.

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A method for cleaning, treating, or painting a windturbine tower, comprising: positioning a frame around a circumference ofa wind turbine tower, wherein the frame comprises a plurality ofsprayers; moving the frame along a height of the wind turbine tower;adjusting a circumference of the frame automatically according to adiameter of the wind turbine tower as the frame is moved along theheight of the wind turbine tower; and spraying a fluid onto the tower asthe frame as moved along the height of the wind turbine tower.
 21. Amethod in accordance with claim 20, wherein the fluid is a cleaningfluid which is sprayed onto the tower as the framed is moved upwardalong the height of the wind turbine tower, and wherein a rinsing fluidis sprayed onto the tower as the frame is moved downward along theheight of the wind turbine tower.
 22. A method in accordance with claim21, wherein spraying the cleaning fluid comprises using differentnozzles used in spraying the rinsing fluid.
 23. A method in accordancewith claim 20, wherein the fluid is paint or a coating fluid. 24.(canceled)
 25. A method in accordance with claim 20, further comprisingtelescopically expanding or contracting the frame to adjust thecircumference of the frame.
 26. A method in accordance with claim 20,further comprising expanding or contracting the frame using pivotingframe expansion members to adjust the circumference of the frame.
 27. Amethod in accordance with claim 20, further comprising using a winchwith a cable extending from the winch to the frame to move the framealong the height of the wind turbine tower.
 28. A method in accordancewith claim 27, wherein the winch is attached to a utility vehicle.